Inner Alchemy: Balancing Lunar and Solar Energies

Find Equilibrium in the Rhythm of Life

We all seek a sense of inner equilibrium and peace. This state allows us to navigate life calmly, feeling both attuned and unattached to the busy currents of our days. Some find balance in the stillness of seated meditation; others prefer a challenging Pilates class or a flowing Vinyasa practice. Yet, the core pursuit is energetic harmony.

Right now, as we gear up for the end of the year and the holidays, mixed emotions—including expectations, excitement or feelings of loss—can easily pull us off centre. This imbalance often manifests as a surge of overactivity or deep depletion.

The ancient philosophy of yoga offers a path to a state of balance that helps us stay on an even footing, notwithstanding these human factors. It teaches us that we can benefit from looking inward and understanding the energetic architecture that supports every breath and emotional manifestation: the Nadis, or energy channels.

If you’ve ever felt scattered, overly driven or emotionally exhausted, you could benefit from balancing the powerful, opposing forces that reside within you.

Ida, Pingala & the Mighty River

The Sanskrit word Nadi means channel or stream, carrying Prana (life force energy) throughout your system. Of the thousands of channels, three are primary:

1. Ida Nadi (the Lunar Channel)

Energy & Influence: Feminine, Lunar, Cool and Intuitive. This channel governs rest and introspection (our "rest and digest" state). Associated with the right side of the brain, it originates on the left side of the spine and spirals upward.

2. Pingala Nadi (the Solar Channel)

Energy & Influence: Masculine, Solar, Strong, Logical and Warm. This channel governs action, drive and heat (our "fight or flight" state). Associated with the left side of the brain, it originates on the right side of the spine and spirals upward.

3. Sushumna Nadi (the Central Channel)

Sushumna means “joyful mind”. We can think of it as the mighty river of the body, running up the centre of the spine. When Ida and Pingala are balanced, Prana flows into this channel—a transparent space of non-duality where we experience complete consciousness and peace.

Meditation and Alternate Nostril Breathing

Mindful movement and breathwork are practices that help us clear and balance the opposing currents of solar and lunar energies. When they are in a state of balance, Prana can enter the clear, unobstructed flow of the joyful mind. When we hold onto past analysis or future planning, we create energetic knots that block this vital flow. By focusing on the breath, we can direct the flow of energy into Sushumna, achieving a sense of inner balance.

To help you move toward that neutral, balanced space and cleanse your energy channels, try this free 9-minute meditation and alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) video. We start in an extended Savasana before using gentle seated breathwork to align the sun and moon within.

Click here to access your free introductory Nadi Shodhana meditation video from our library and align your energies today! The video is towards the bottom of the list with title "12min - Energy Balancing Meditation & Breathwork".

Your Path Ahead: From Balance to Foundation

Commit to a few minutes of grounding breathwork this week. This energetic preparation will set a solid foundation for your practice as we transition into the new year.

In January, we will embark on a new journey together: the Seven-Chakra Vinyasa Series. This series is a deep, step-by-step exploration of our centers of light and wisdom, starting with the foundational Root Chakra (Muladhara).

Thanks for your company!

Yours in wellness and balance, Annie.

References and Resources

The concepts discussed in this post are drawn from classical yogic philosophy and modern anatomical and psychological interpretations. Foundational texts include Patanjali's Yoga Sutras (relating to breath control and non-attachment).

Resources

These resources bridge the classical framework with contemporary anatomy, physiology and psychology:

• Judith, Anodea. Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self. Provides extensive correlation between the Chakra system and developmental psychology, particularly relevant for understanding Muladhara (safety and security).

• Kaminoff, Leslie, and Amy Matthews. Yoga Anatomy. A key text for bridging the subtle body concepts with the physical, musculoskeletal and nervous systems (correlation of Chakras with nerve plexuses).

• Saraswati, Swami Niranjanananda. Prana and Pranayama (Bihar School of Yoga Tradition). Offers an accessible yet authoritative commentary on the Nadis and instruction for practical techniques like Nadi Shodhana.

• Sadhguru (Jaggi Vasudev). "The Three Fundamental Nadis". Isha Sadhguru. [Web Resource]. Available at: https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/the-three-fundamental-nadis